Town Center Plan needs council to progress

What's it going to take to get the Town Center Project completed? Ownership and project management at the council level.

As a board member with the Lantern Village Association, I often have a chance to speak with new and existing neighbors regarding some items they feel critical to our community. The Town Center is always front and center when discussing hot topics within the community.

Much the same as these residents, I consistently wonder what is going on with the Town Center Plan. I read the local papers weekly and pay close attention when this particular topic is covered. More often than not, I am at first excited to read of the progress, but usually put the paper down with more questions than answers. Time and again, my perception is one of being delivered an unorganized and/or incomplete message from both the City Council and staff leaders regarding the Town Center Plan.

The fact that the project remains to be financed is not my criticism. The previous and current councils have done a great job guiding the community through a decline in revenue, and tough choices have been made. But the time is now, and a venture as important as this deserves a more cohesive and consistent message from our city leaders.

Let's be clear, there has long been a mandate for a more formal process to manage the Town Center. In 2009, True North Research conducted a survey of Dana Point residents on the request of the council. The final report is often referenced by staff leaders and incumbent council members seeking re-election. The report covers many topics, including the Town Center.

If you were to drill down into the survey, you would see that only maintaining the quality of existing city services received more votes (60.7 percent) as being a higher priority project than working with property owners to revitalize the Town Center area (49.4 percent).

The real issue here is that the lack of a current implementation plan, communication plan and an analysis of the various financing models available has created uncertainty for many residents, current business owners and, most importantly, potential developers of vacant lots.

Perhaps these critical items are under way and have been for a while. If this is the case, then great, share this with the community through an enhanced communication policy.

This is an important year for those within the community who feel the Town Center is a critical and transforming investment. The council is analyzing and will vote on a new two-year budget in a few months. Throughout the next month or so, you will begin to hear from and about a group committed to raising the priority level and importance of the project. The group consists of residents, business owners, previous council members and Town Center property owners. In the meantime, and until we get this Town Center project started, visit danapointtowncenter.org and join our email list.

-- Michael Frost is the president of the Lantern Village Association, a group of residents and business owners within the Village area of Dana Point.